Joshua Goes The Distance For First Time In His Career And Now Owns IBF, WBA & WBO Heavyweight World Championships

Encore Presentation In Primetime Tonight At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME

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CARDIFF, WALES (March 31, 2018) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua went the distance for the first time in his career, outpointing previously undefeated champion Joseph Parker in a heavyweight unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME in Cardiff, Wales.

IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) added Parker’s WBO title to his mantle with a 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 unanimous decision before a boxing indoor attendance record of more than 78,000 fans at Principality Stadium. 

While Joshua was the aggressor throughout, Parker established his jab in the early rounds in an attempt to negate Joshua’s six-inch reach advantage.  And while Parker had his moments, Joshua was more active and landed the more meaningful punches and appeared to stagger the New Zealander on a handful of occasions. 

In the championship rounds, it seemed the 28-year-old Joshua was going for the KO against Parker, who displayed a solid chin in becoming the only fighter to push Joshua the distance. 

“I am not going to judge my performance,” Joshua said.  “That’s for my coach to do.  My strategy was to get behind the jab and we did that.  The good jab will take you around the world. 

“Through rounds 10, 11, 12, I was focused.  I went the 12 rounds and I fought him hard, but it was light work.  This is boxing.  This is what we do.  Joseph Parker is a world champion.  I knew he was going to be determined.  Sometimes this is how it goes.  It becomes a tactical boxing fight.  This was going to be about finesse, and I controlled behind the jab and used finesse. 

“We cannot forget – I am now the unified heavyweight champion of the world.”

After the fight, Joshua was asked by Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott if he’d like to face fellow-undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder for the chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. 

“One hundred percent, 100 percent,” Joshua answered.  “You’re asking me, do I want to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world?  The WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO.  Twenty one fights, six world championship fights.  I am not into the hype.  I am about the business.  So, let’s talk business.  Eddie Hearn can talk with Al Haymon and (Shelly Finkel). 

“Just like Dillion (Whyte) said, ‘WILDER, LET’S GO, BABY.’  Let’s go.  On this side of the pond, we are serious.  Great Britain, the United Kingdom, we are representing.  We have all the fighters, champions from heavyweight all the way down to the lower weight classes.  We are about the business.” 

Joshua didn’t seem disappointed he was unable to score a KO yet still admitted he wasn’t satisfied with the first distance fight of his career.

“Definitely, we are not satisfied.  One step at a time,” Joshua said.  “We are not our best yet but we are at the pinnacle of boxing.  I always go in the deep end, always challenge myself.  I am ready for more challenges.  We will see what’s next.”

When pressed who he’d like to fight next, Joshua said, “Wilder.  Wilder or Fury,” referencing fellow Brit and former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who has been inactive since 2015 due to a variety of issues. 

“Get him (Wilder) in the ring, and I’ll knock him spark out,” Joshua promised.   

The 26-year-old Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) didn’t dispute the decision in what was the first unification fight between undefeated heavyweight champions since 1987. 

“Today, I got beat by the better man.  The bigger man,” Parker said.  “My plan is to go home, work hard and come back again.

“I would work harder.  Make more punches.  I would love another go.  We could have worked inside more but whatever happened, happened. You can’t go back and change that. 

“I am young, strong, fit and ready to come back and challenge again.  We’ll be back again stronger.”

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  Following tonight’s encore presentation, Joshua vs. Parker will air Sunday morning at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

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“We have two undefeated heavyweight champions.  How big of a night is this?  It’s massive.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

“They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

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WHAT: Hear from undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in this SHOWTIME Sports video preview in advance of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME. VIDEO:https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

IBF and WBA Champion Joshua and WBO Champion Parker will square off in the 11^th unification in heavyweight history on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.  The blockbuster in Cardiff, Wales is expected to tie the all-time indoor attendance record in boxing with nearly 80,000 fans packing Principality Stadium on Saturday. 

“I’m not worried about no one,” said Joshua, who owns a perfect 20-0 record with 20 knockouts.  “I’m facing all challengers.  Undefeated champions, I’m beating champions, I’m beating legends.”

Countered Parker: “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time.  They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.”

Joshua & Parker Make First Appearance In Cardiff, Wales, Where Nearly 80,000 Fans Will Witness Heavyweight History At Principality Stadium

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® | 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

CARDIFF, WALES (March 28, 2018) – Undefeated Heavyweight World Champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker made their first appearance in Cardiff on Wednesday, working out before a packed house of enthusiastic fans at St. David’s Hall just three days before their Heavyweight World Championship Unification this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales is a prelude to the record-tying audience expected at Principality Stadiumon Saturday where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as IBF and WBA Champion Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) and WBO Champion Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) meet in just the second unification between undefeated heavyweight champions in history.

The 6-foot-6 Joshua will make his fifth defense as champion against the 6-foot-4 Parker, who defends his title for the third time.  Joshua owns a 100 percent knockout ratio while Parker has never been knocked down as an amateur or professional.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“This is bigger than last time. Boxing is bigger than ever right now. This is the golden era and I’m happy to be a part of it.

“It’s good news that he wants a war. In boxing, all you need is a good chin and a right hand but I’ve been working on finesse, technique, counter punching. I hope Joseph Parker falls into my booby traps because I’m going to set him up with some power shots as well. Yeah, I’ll be up for a war. I’ll hopefully be up for some blood, sweat, and cheers from my corner.

“Physically I believe in my ability.  I’m focused and I understand it’s a boxing match and the people are expecting the pinnacle of boxing.  Hopefully they’ll be able to see me through to victory.

“You need to still keep that challenger’s mind-set. I’m still the challenger in my head, and sometimes I don’t want to be seen with the belts around me too much. Now that I’m the hunted, it’s no time to just put my feet up and relax. I’m out there defending my throne on Saturday night.

“I can’t worry about it [future bouts]. Saturday night is where it’s at. Saturday night is big enough. Saturday night is massive.”

JOSEPH PARKER:

“Since we’ve been here we’ve been welcomed with open arms. I expect a good crowd, a fair crowd. There are a lot of people supporting Joshua here, but we have a lot of support back home. It’s great to see all my family and friends here, and we’ve got some support here, as well.

“All Black (New Zealand rugby) style has always done well here in Wales, so I’m looking to keep that record clean.”

“I think some of the things our team has said has gotten under his skin. I’m not unhappy. He looks a little unhappy and a little tense. I think everyone’s different in how they approach a fight. We’re quite relaxed and calm. I’m excited about this fight, but it’s a controlled excitement.

“Klitschko’s a great fighter and champion who we respect, but Klitschko is Klitschko. I’m a different story altogether. I’m young and hungry, I’m fit and strong and I got my speed back. I will show that on Saturday.

“I’ve got the speed, power, skills, technique, all of the above.

“See you soon, [Anthony Joshua]. Let’s go to war!”

“I win by knockout, 100 percent.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

“I’m not here for a payday.  I’m here to take those belts back with me.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LONDON (March 27, 2018) – Undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker kicked off fight week with a tense faceoff at the sprawling Sky Headquarters outside London as they approach Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. 

The British sensation Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) owns the IBF and WBA titles, while New Zealand’s Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) is the reigning WBO Champion.  The two will meet on Saturday in just the 11^th unification in heavyweight history in front of what is expected to be nearly 80,000 boxing fans at the national stadium of Wales.

The blockbuster matchup marks just the second heavyweight championship unification between undefeated world titleholders.  The last fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten heavyweight champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Tuesday’s press conference. 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“I feel like this is what we have to do.  If champions don’t face off, then we won’t bring excitement to boxing, and I feel like we heavyweights are the flagbearers for the sport.

“I’m peaking, but what I need to do is remain where I am.  If you want to see my peak then I need to face stern challenges.  The better opponent, the better I get. 

“We embrace the challenge of facing an undefeated champion.  He’s a champion, he’s done well for himself.  He’s quick and he can take a punch.

“I have to mentally say the fight will go 12 rounds in my head, but if I had to pick I’d say nine rounds.  I win by knockout, 100 percent.”

“For a long time, I’ve had to rely on my strength and my physicality. Over the 10 years I’ve been boxing, I’ve built a lot of mental strength as well.  And now I’m combining the two.  I feel confident and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I take it one thousand percent one fight at a time. A lot of talk has been happening about AJ vs. Deontay (Wilder).  People need to be realistic.  I’m looking at Joseph Parker, who is a lively challenger.  He’s a champion for a reason.

“Let’s say we look into a crystal ball and I’m victorious, then we can start talking about future plans.  But, for now, my future startson Saturday.  That’s where I’ve got to look to and not really beyond that moment.

“There’s definitely a fear of losing because it keeps me going.  I have to make sure I stay focused on the task at hand.  The fear of losing keeps me motivated because I know how quickly the tables can turn.  One minute you’re the man and the next you’re not.

“I’m definitely preparing for a 12-round fight.  One hundred and ten percent.  It isn’t a problem to go the distance.  But let’s say I’ve got 20 quid in my pocket and I’m looking at Joseph Parker vs. Anthony Joshua. I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out, myself.”

JOSHEPH PARKER:

“I feel ready, confident and sharp.  I feel better than ever, and I’m taking these belts back to New Zealand.

“I see Joshua as a great champion.  The reason why we wanted this fight is because we respect what he’s achieved in the boxing world.  We respect his team and what they’ve been able to achieve on this side of the world.  And we love challenges.  We see him as a big challenge and that’s the reason we want to fight him.

“I feel it’s my time.  I’m young, I’m fast, I’m strong.  And I’m determined to win.  I’m not here for a payday.  I’m here to take those belts back with me.  I’m here to be part of history.  I’m not doing it just for myself.  I’m doing it for my team, my family and my country.

“He’s at his best. I’m at my best.  This is the perfect time for the fight.  There are going to be no excuses.  Whoever wins is the best on the day.

“I’m going to beat Joshua. I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet. I don’t know if it’s a knockout or if it’s points or decision. We’ll see how I feel on fight night. But I’m going to be undefeated going home with the belts.  These are mine.

“I’m in the best shape ever.  Whoever wins is the better man.  There’s no excuses on my side.  I’m feeling great, I’m feeling strong and I’m going to leave it all in the ring.  I’m punching hard, I’m punching with way more speed so I’m looking to put on a display.

“This is the perfect time because he’s undefeated.  He’s got belts that I want.  We’re both at the top of our game now and it’s a good time to see who the best is. 

“I’m confident I’m going to win.  I’m taking the belts home.”

ROBERT McCRACKEN, Joshua’s Trainer:

“Parker is a different opponent than Takam or Klitschko.  He’s undefeated, so he doesn’t believe he can lose. But being fast and being calm and relaxed doesn’t prepare you for getting into a ring with Anthony Joshua.  Not just the size of him, he’s very imposing in the ring, but he hits you and you don’t know where you’re getting hit.  I think we’ve seen that in all of his contests to date. 

“Anthony’s in great shape. He’s looking forward to the fight and he just sees it as another fight on the ladder to trying to become the undisputed champion. That’s the reason why the fight is taking place.

“Parker’s the WBO champion. He’s a good fighter. He’s unbeaten and he’s a challenge that AJ is up for.

“He ticks all the boxes. He can box. He can fight. He’s a devastating puncher, himself. And he can take a devastating shot, so he’s improving all the time. He’s learning all the time. He’s already the unified champion. He’s already an Olympic gold medalist. It’s part of the journey that he sees himself becoming the undisputed champion.”

KEVIN BARRY: Parker’s Trainer

“These are two guys that are young, two guys that are at the top of their game.  Usually, when you have two very skillful, undefeated fighters in the ring together it will come down to who can execute the game plan the best on the night.  I’ve said all along that I believed out of all the heavyweight champions, that Joseph Parker has the best skill.  I believe he can do more. I believe he has the fastest hands. On Saturday night, we’ll find out whether I’m dreaming or whether I’ve been right all along.

“I think we’ve had our best training camp, and I know trainers say that all the time but over the last two years, we’ve had a really rough time with Joseph’s elbows.  I think it’s shown in his performances.  We’ve had a couple of surgeries just prior to Christmas last year. This camp, 11 weeks in Las Vegas, have been the most enjoyable time that Joe and I have spent together in the five years that we’ve had.

“We decided right from the get-go that we were not going to let the occasion beat us.  One of the huge strengths of Joseph Parker has always been the way he controls his emotions. I’ve said on several occasions, whether it’s 800, 8,000 or 80,000, it will be the same Joseph Parker smiling all the way to the ring.  Joseph has wanted this challenge for so long, an opportunity to prove that he is the best heavyweight in the world.  Obviously, we believe that he beats Joshua or otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”